Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Neil Rhodes has been temporarily suspended from duty by the county Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick due to “potential conduct matters”.

The commissioner confirmed that Mr Rhodes has been suspended from duty while investigations are being considered.

Mr Rhodes had taken up the role temporarily in March 2012 after Richard Crompton retired.

A statement from the PCC’s office said: “It should be emphasised that suspension is a neutral act and it should not be inferred from the decision to suspend that the potential conduct matters have been proven.”

The specific allegations have not yet been detailed. The matter has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The commissioner has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood as Acting Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police with immediate effect.